New LSK president reveals his plan for office

The new president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Lawyer Allen Waiyaki Gichuhi on Friday shared his plan to reform Kenya’s legal fraternity.

The commercial litigation advocate said his win was justifiably earned, a cause attributed to his two years of preparation and most importantly making relevant contributions to the society which saw him cover over 10,000 kilometers in his presidential campaign.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen Extra, Mr. Gichuhi pledged to reform the Law Society of Kenya by prioritising practice and welfare in the legal community adding that the society should consider itself as a trade union to safeguard the rights of its members.

The senior partner at Wamae and Allen Advocate said he will schedule a sit down with legal stakeholders to address crucial factors especially the stalling of cases at the courts.

“I will have a meeting with stakeholders; my council, Chief Justice, Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to address the challenges that face access to justice for ordinary Kenyans,” he told the host Waihiga Mwaura. “We have cases pending for five to six years but in other jurisdictions like Morocco, a case is determined in six months.”

The president said for the justice system to serve Kenyans, more judicial officers are needed.

“As per 2107 we had 47 million Kenyans with only 12 judges,” he said.

The advocate also addressed the divide between young and veteran lawyers blaming it to lack of interaction and conversation.

LSK’s newly elected vice president, Ms. Harriett Chiggai lauded the president adding that new laws of practice including mediation and arbitration should be incorporated into the system which will help an easier flow of cases in the court.